The Houston Rockets Land Chris Paul With the Help of James Harden

A day after it was reported that the Houston Rockets star was lobbying friend Chris Paul to leave the Los Angeles Clippers for Texas, it actually happened.

Paul had the option to enter free agency or play out one more year on his contract at just under $23 million. By informing the Clippers of his intention to sign with the Rockets, both he and his old team were able to benefit—Paul opted in to the final year and the Clippers traded him.

After Chris Paul agreed to opt-in on contract, Clippers are trading All-Star guard to the Houston Rockets, league sources tell @TheVertical

We’ll see how Paul and Harden—two ball-dominant guards—mesh offensively, but they apparently don’t think it’ll be an issue. Harden reportedly pushed the front office to pursue Paul and spoke to the point guard personally.

And the Rockets might not be done—Houston will be pursuing Griffin and fellow power forward Paul Millsap in free agency, according to ESPN.